Anti - Iraq War/Peace march on Nov. 1st!

[VC Stop the War]

*** PLEASE FORWARD ***

Anti - Iraq War/Peace march on Nov. 1st!

 

 

You are welcomed to join the Ventura IVAW Chapter on a anti-Iraq war/peace march! Join us as we carry an American flag draped coffin from the recruitment center on main street, where military service and war begin, to the Peace Pole, a designated area of peace,  where we strive for all war and suffering to end. Location is Plaza Park, across from the post office in downtown Ventura!

 

The march will be approximately four miles and will loop down past the mission then back up to the park.

 

At the end of our march, at approximately 3:00pm, we will be welcomed into Plaza Park by a ceremony to commemorate our journey. Ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. Following ceremony, there will be a final march back over main street and out to the end of the Ventura Pier where the American flag waves.

 

 

Our goal is to bring awareness to the extreme breakdown of our military system, lack of aid and support to our veterans and the destruction set forth by our government upon the country of Iraq. The first casualty of war is truth, so we will remind the public of the honest nature of this war. This war cannot be won, this war was started on lies, this war has maimed the well being of numerous Americans and countless veterans, this war has shattered the country of Iraq and this war has put us at greater risk with those threats that do exist by placing our men in women in a military system strapped too thin to fully operate efficiently.

 

This will be a 100% non-violent march. We will NOT engage with aggressive people. We will follow all rules and guidelines set by law enforcement. If you do not follow these rules set by the IVAW chapter, you will be asked to leave the demonstration and/or march.

 

 

 

March details:

 

When to arrive: 10:15am for instruction and system check. Park in the parking lot and meet at the coffee bean outside.

Start time: 11:00am.

Start point: On main street out in front of the Ventura recruitment center.

Route we will take: Main street.

Stopping point: Peace Pole in Plaza Park/downtown park across from the post office.

Total estimated time for march: 4 hours. That includes breaks or people needing to switch off duties.

What to bring: Peace signs, anti Iraq war signs, pictures and other visuals of war that can be carried. LOTS of water! Backpack will probably be very helpful to carry your personals.

 

Misc. Details: Keep in mind weather and dress accordingly. However, all people on march should be wearing black shirts to show solidarity. Shirts should be pro-peace or anti iraq war shirts. Please dress neat and clean.

 

Wear comfortable shoes! This will be a long walk. Change of socks is strongly suggested to keep feet dry. Bring power bars, small snacks, etc. for quick energy boost during our small breaks. Breaks will probably be 5-10-15 minutes or so. We'll always adjust properly to the needs of people participating.

 

There may be cadence calls so think of some of your favorites because you are invited to call them but you do not have to. Remember this is a 100% non-violent march so make sure you are able to handle possible confrontation from passers by such as yelling, name calling, etc.

 

Ceremony Details:

 

At 3:00pm there will be a ceremony held to commemorate the marchers bringing the coffin to rest at a center of peace in Plaza Park. Taps will be played during a salute period, following order arms there will be a prayer and speech by Sandy Lidelle.

 

There will be several speakers initial prayer and speech, including if time permits, before a closing speech, we will offer people the chance to speak or share some feelings. "Open mic" time.

 

Ceremony will end with the precession of the coffin for one last march around main street and out to the end of the pier for those who were not able to make it to the first march or who were unable to march for the longer distance. All participants in march will follow and take directions from IVAW lead group.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Cherish Hodge

President

IVAW Ventura

805-850-5900
chxf...@aol.com

 

If you would like to volunteer to staff an information table at Plaza Park for VC Stop the War, please email vcstop...@gmail.com or call 805-641-1789.